Mixer apparatus

ABSTRACT

A mixer apparatus is disclosed for mixing livestock feed and the like. The apparatus includes a container for the reception therein of the feed. The container includes a housing and a wall extending away from the housing. The wall defines an opening which is disposed remote from the housing for the reception therethrough of the feed. The arrangement is such that the housing and the wall define therebetween an enclosure for the feed received through the opening. An auger is disposed within the enclosure, the auger having an axis of rotation which extends through the housing. A final driven wheel is disposed within the housing, the final driven wheel being rotatable about the axis of rotation. The final driven wheel is drivingly connected to the auger so that when the final driven wheel is rotated within the housing, the auger is rotated therewith within the enclosure. The final driven wheel and the auger together as a unit are removable and replaceable relative to the housing and enclosure respectively. The arrangement is such that when the final driven wheel and the auger are together as the unit removed, direct access to the final driven wheel is permitted.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present invention is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.09/562,167 filed May 2, 2000. All the subject matter of U.S. Ser. No.09/562,167 is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a mixer apparatus for mixinglivestock feed. More specifically, the present invention relates to avertical auger mixer having at least one auger.

[0004] 2. Information Disclosure Statement

[0005] Cattle farming requires the mixing of various livestock feeds forsubsequent distribution. Additionally, mixers can be used for mixingother materials such as composts and the like. Sometimes such mixing offeeds includes depositing at least one bate of hay into a mixercontainer together with other additives. The materials within thecontainer are mixed by means of at least one auger which rotates withinthe container so that an intimate mixing of the contents of thecontainer is obtained. Although many mixers employ a pair of horizontalinteracting augers extending longitudinally along the container, severalmixers have been proposed in which the auger or augers are disposedvertically.

[0006] In the prior art mixers of the vertical auger type, such mixerssometimes include a pair of augers in which the rotational axes of theaugers are disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other.Furthermore, each of such augers is driven by a separate drive whichsupplies rotary motion to each of the augers from below.

[0007] Also, some mixers have a single auger. However, theaforementioned twin auger mixers suffer from the following drawbacks.First, the provision of two 90 degree drives and associated planetaryreduction gearboxes is extremely expensive and involves the manufactureof many parts. Second, access to such gearboxes requires removal of thegearboxes from underneath the mixer and then disassembly of suchgearboxes. Third, the augers include continuous flighting which providesless agitation of the feed. Fourth, at the end of a mixing operation, anoperator will usually find it necessary to rev up the power take off inan attempt to throw materials centrifugally away from the augers so thatthe augers are cleaned. Fifth, when weighing materials to be mixed,inaccurate measurements are made when the mixer is on uneven ground.Such inaccuracies are caused mainly because when a load cell is disposedat the hitch of a drawbar, the reading reflects a vector rather than avertical weight when the mixer is tilted. Most of the aforementioneddrawbacks are also applicable to single auger mixers and the cost ofproviding a planetary gearbox and other parts is considerable.

[0008] The present invention provides a vertical auger mixer apparatuswhich overcomes all of the aforementioned problems associated with theprior art arrangements.

[0009] Therefore, it is a primary feature of the present invention toprovide a mixer apparatus which overcomes the aforementioned problemsassociated with the prior art vertical auger mixers and which provides asignificant contribution to the art of mixing animal feeds and the like.

[0010] Another feature of the present invention is the provision of amixer apparatus that reduces the cost of manufacture thereof.

[0011] A further feature of the present invention is the provision of amixer apparatus that permits vertical removal of the auger or augerstogether with the associated driven gear.

[0012] Another feature of the present invention is the provision of amixer apparatus that enhances the mixing of the livestock feed.

[0013] Yet another feature of the present invention is the provision ofa mixer apparatus that assists in the cleaning of the augers after amixing operation.

[0014] Another feature of the present invention is the provision of amixer apparatus which includes a more accurate means for weighing thelivestock feed.

[0015] Throughout the description of the various embodiments of thepresent invention, the term auger or augers is to be understood toinclude paddle arrangements and that the flighting includes screw and/orhelix type arrangements which may be continuous or non-continuous andwould include segmented augers. Also, throughout the description andclaims of the present invention, the term animal feeds is to beunderstood as including composts and other materials that requiremixing.

[0016] Other features and advantages of the mixer apparatus according tothe present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in theart by a consideration of the detailed description contained herein of apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0017] The present invention relates to a mixer apparatus for mixinglivestock feed and the like. According to one feature of the presentinvention, the apparatus includes a container for the reception thereinof the feed. The container includes a housing and a wall extending awayfrom the housing. The wall defines an opening which is disposed remotefrom the housing for the reception therethrough of the feed. Thearrangement is such that the housing and the wall define therebetween anenclosure for the feed received through the opening. An auger isdisposed within the enclosure, the auger having an axis of rotationwhich extends through the housing. A final driven wheel is disposedwithin the housing, the final driven wheel being rotatable about theaxis of rotation. The final driven wheel is drivingly connected to theauger so that when the final driven wheel is rotated within the housing,the auger is rotated therewith within the enclosure. The final drivenwheel and the auger together as a unit are removable and replaceablerelative to the housing and enclosure respectively. The arrangement issuch that when the final driven wheel and the auger are together as theunit removed, direct access to the final driven wheel is permitted.

[0018] In a more specific embodiment of the present invention thecontainer further includes a frame for supporting thereon the housing.The container also includes a plurality of wheels rotatably secured tothe frame for permitting transportation of the mixer apparatus.Additionally, the container includes a hitch bar secured to the framefor facilitating transportation of the mixer apparatus by a tractor orthe like.

[0019] In another feature of the present invention, the housing includesa base and a rim having a first and a second end. The first end of therim is secured to the base. A floor is disposed between the auger andthe final driven wheel, the floor being secured to the second end of therim such that the base, the rim and the floor define therebetween anencasement for the final driven wheel. Furthermore, the floor defines anaccess hole for permitting removal and replacement therethrough of thefinal driven wheel. The floor includes a cover for covering the accesshole. The cover defines an aperture through which the axis of rotationextends so that driving of the auger by the final driven wheel ispermitted. Moreover, the cover includes a bearing which extends throughthe aperture. The bearing is disposed between the auger and the finaldriven wheel for bearingly supporting the auger and the final drivenwheel for permitting rotation of the auger and final driven wheel whenthe final driven wheel is being driven.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the floordefines an array of bores disposed around the access hole and the coverhas a peripheral edge which defines a plurality of holes. A plurality offasteners are arranged such that each fastener extends through a hole ofthe plurality of holes and an aligned bore of the array of bores forremovably fastening the cover to the floor. The encasement is filledwith lubricant for lubricating the final driven wheel. Also, the wallextends angularly away from the housing. Preferably, the wall defines adischarge outlet for the discharge therethrough of the feed. Thedischarge outlet includes a door that opens and at least one expellerfor moving the feed away from the enclosure. Alternatively, thedischarge outlet includes a door and a conveyor for conveying the feedaway from the enclosure. In a further alternative arrangement, theoutlet includes only a door.

[0021] In another feature of the present invention, the auger includes acore and flighting is connected to the core so that when the augerrotates, feed disposed within the enclosure is mixed. The core is ofcylindrical configuration and the flighting is disposed helically aroundthe core. More specifically, the flighting includes a first portion anda second portion staggered relative to the first portion such thatmovement of the feed between the first and second portions isinterrupted. The first portion has a first and a second end, the firstend being disposed adjacent to the housing. The second portion has afirst and a second extremity, the first extremity being disposed in anadjacent spaced relationship relative to the second end of the firstportion.

[0022] In another embodiment of the present invention, the first portionis a paddle and the second portion is a further paddle.

[0023] According to another feature of the present invention, theflighting has an inner edge and an outer edge, the inner edge beingconnected to the core. The outer edge is canted towards the housing suchthat discharging and cleaning of feed from the auger during an unloadingoperation is facilitated.

[0024] Also, the final driven wheel is a gear wheel and the gear wheelincludes a plurality of straight teeth. In a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the gear wheel has a diameter of at least three foot.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the finaldriven wheel is a driven sprocket wheel.

[0026] The mixer apparatus also includes a drive wheel having a furtheraxis of rotation which is disposed spaced and approximately parallel tothe axis of rotation of the auger, the drive wheel driving the finaldriven wheel.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drivewheel is a drive gear pinion having a plurality of teeth. Also, thefinal driven wheel is a gear wheel having gear teeth which intermeshwith the plurality of teeth of the drive gear pinion so that when thedrive gear pinion is rotated, the final driven wheel and auger arerotated. The floor is disposed between the auger and the final drivenwheel, the floor being secured to the second end of the rim such thatthe base, the rim and the floor define therebetween the encasement forthe final driven wheel. Also, the floor and base further define a cavityfor the reception therein of the drive gear pinion. The mixer apparatusfurther includes a drive gear pinion bearing which is secured to thebase for rotatably supporting the drive gear pinion within the cavity. Adrive shaft is secured to the drive gear pinion, the drive shaftextending through the housing so that when the drive shaft is rotated,the drive gear pinion, the final driven wheel and the auger are rotated.

[0028] Alternatively, the drive gear pinion bearing is secured to thefloor.

[0029] In a further feature of the present invention, the mixerapparatus includes a guide disposed in a vicinity of the plurality ofteeth of the drive gear pinion and the gear teeth of the final drivenwheel. The arrangement is such that when the plurality of teethintermesh with the gear teeth of the final driven wheel, theintermeshing teeth are guided into an intermeshing relationship by theguide. The guide is secured to the drive gear pinion and is disposedbetween the drive gear pinion and the base.

[0030] Alternatively, the guide is disposed between the drive gearpinion and the floor.

[0031] In a further alternative arrangement, the guide is secured to thefinal driven wheel.

[0032] In another feature of the present invention, a further auger isdisposed within the enclosure, the further auger having a rotationalaxis disposed approximately parallel and spaced from the axis ofrotation of the auger. A drive wheel is common to the auger and thefurther auger, the drive wheel having a further axis of rotation whichis disposed spaced and approximately parallel relative to the axis ofrotation of the auger and the rotational axis of the further auger. Thefurther axis of rotation of the drive wheel is disposed between the axisof rotation of the auger and the rotational axis of the further auger.

[0033] In another embodiment of the present invention, the axis ofrotation of the auger is disposed between the further axis of rotationof the drive wheel and the rotational axis of the further auger.Additionally, the drive wheel is a drive gear pinion, the drive gearpinion having a plurality of teeth. The final driven wheel is a gearwheel having gear teeth which intermesh with the plurality of teeth ofthe drive gear pinion so that when the drive gear pinion is rotated, thefinal driven wheel and auger are rotated. The mixer apparatus furtherincludes a further final driven wheel, the further final driven wheelbeing a further gear wheel having further gear teeth which are driven bythe plurality of teeth of the final driven wheel. The arrangement issuch that when the drive gear pinion is rotated, the final driven wheeland auger are rotated and the further final driven wheel and furtherauger are rotated.

[0034] In another feature of the present invention, the drive wheel is afirst drive sprocket. The mixer apparatus further includes a seconddrive sprocket which is secured to the first drive sprocket and isdisposed coaxially relative to the first drive sprocket. A drive extendsaround the first drive sprocket and the final driven wheel so that whenthe first drive sprocket is rotated, the drive rotates the final drivenwheel. Also, a further final driven wheel is a further driven sprocketwheel. A further drive extends around the second drive sprocket and thefurther final driven wheel so that when the second drive sprocket isrotated, the further drive rotates the further final driven wheel. Thedrive is a first roller chain drive and the further drive is a secondroller chain drive.

[0035] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the plurality ofwheels includes a first wheel and a second wheel disposed spaced andcoaxial relative to the first wheel. A first load cell is disposedbetween the first wheel and the frame and a second load cell is disposedbetween the second wheel and the frame. A hitch bar is connected to theframe and is disposed remote from the wheels. A third load cell has afirst and a second end, the first end of the third load cell beingsecured to the hitch bar. A clevis is attached to the second end of thethird load cell, the clevis being rotatable about a longitudinal axis ofthe third load cell. The arrangement is such that during a weighingoperation which is dependent on measurements from the first, second andthird load cells, the rotatable clevis adjusts to a difference in aninclination of the mixer apparatus and a tractor so that side pressuresand inaccuracies in measurements from the third load cell is decreased.

[0036] In a first aspect of the present invention, a mixer apparatus formixing livestock feed and the like, includes a container for thereception therein of the feed. The container includes a housing, a wallextending away from the housing, the wall defining an opening disposedremote from the housing for the reception therethrough of the feed. Thearrangement is such that the housing and the wall define therebetween anenclosure for the feed received through the opening. An auger isdisposed within the enclosure, the auger having an axis of rotationwhich extends through the housing.

[0037] The auger includes a core and flighting connected to the core sothat when the auger rotates, feed disposed within the enclosure ismixed. The flighting includes a first portion and a second portionstaggered relative to the first portion such that movement of the feedbetween the first and second portions is interrupted.

[0038] In a second aspect of the present invention, a mixer apparatusfor mixing livestock feed and the like, includes a container for thereception therein of the feed. The container includes a housing, a wallextending away from the housing, the wall defining an opening disposedremote from the housing for the reception therethrough of the feed. Thearrangement is such that the housing and the wall define therebetween anenclosure for the feed received through the opening. An auger isdisposed within the enclosure, the auger having an axis of rotationwhich extends through the housing.

[0039] The auger includes a core and flighting connected to the core sothat when the auger rotates, feed disposed within the enclosure ismixed. The flighting includes an inner edge and an outer edge. The inneredge is connected to the core and the outer edge is canted towards thehousing such that discharging and cleaning of feed from the auger duringan unloading operation is facilitated.

[0040] In a third aspect of the present invention, a mixer apparatus formixing livestock feed and the like, includes a container for thereception therein of the feed. The container includes a housing, a wallextending away from the housing, the wall defining an opening disposedremote from the housing for the reception therethrough of the feed. Thearrangement is such that the housing and the wall define therebetween anenclosure for the feed received through the opening. An auger isdisposed within the enclosure, the auger having an axis of rotationwhich extends through the housing.

[0041] A final driven wheel is disposed within the housing, the finaldriven wheel being rotatable about the axis of rotation. The finaldriven wheel is drivingly connected to the auger so that when the finaldriven wheel is rotated within the housing, the auger is rotatedtherewith within the enclosure. The final driven wheel has a diameter ofat least three foot.

[0042] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a mixer apparatusfor mixing livestock feed and the like, includes a container for thereception therein of the feed. The container includes a housing, a wallextending away from the housing, the wall defining an opening disposedremote from the housing for the reception therethrough of the feed. Thearrangement is such that the housing and the wall define therebetween anenclosure for the feed received through the opening. An auger isdisposed within the enclosure, the auger having an axis of rotationwhich extends through the housing.

[0043] A final driven wheel is disposed within the housing, the finaldriven wheel being rotatable about the axis of rotation, the finaldriven wheel being drivingly connected to the auger so that when thefinal driven wheel is rotated within the housing, the auger is rotatedtherewith within the enclosure. The final driven wheel is a gear wheelhaving a plurality of teeth. The mixer apparatus further includes adrive wheel having a further axis of rotation which is disposed spacedand approximately parallel to the axis of rotation of the auger, thedrive wheel driving the final driven wheel. The drive wheel is a drivegear pinion having a further plurality of teeth. The teeth of the drivenwheel intermesh with the further teeth of the drive gear pinion so thatwhen the drive gear pinion is rotated, the final driven wheel and augerare rotated. A guide is disposed in a vicinity of the further teeth ofthe drive gear pinion and the teeth of the final driven wheel. Thearrangement is such that when the teeth intermesh, the intermeshingteeth are guided into an intermeshing relationship by the guide.

[0044] In a fifth aspect of the present invention a mixer apparatus formixing livestock feed and the like, includes a container for thereception therein of the feed. The container includes a housing, a wallextending away from the housing, the wall defining an opening disposedremote from the housing for the reception therethrough of the feed. Thearrangement is such that the housing and the wall define therebetween anenclosure for the feed received through the opening. An auger isdisposed within the enclosure, the auger having an axis of rotationwhich extends through the housing.

[0045] The mixer apparatus further includes a further auger which isdisposed within the enclosure, the further auger having a rotationalaxis which is disposed approximately parallel and spaced from the axisof rotation of the auger. A drive wheel is common to the auger and thefurther auger, the drive wheel having a further axis of rotation whichis disposed spaced and approximately parallel relative to the axis ofrotation of the auger and the rotational axis of the further auger.

[0046] In a sixth aspect of the present invention a mixer apparatus formixing livestock feed and the like, includes a container for thereception therein of the feed. The container includes a housing, a wallextending away from the housing, the wall defining an opening disposedremote from the housing for the reception therethrough of the feed. Thearrangement is such that the housing and the wall define therebetween anenclosure for the feed received through the opening. An auger isdisposed within the enclosure, the auger having an axis of rotationwhich extends through the housing.

[0047] The container further includes a frame for supporting thereon thehousing and a plurality of wheels rotatably secured to the frame forpermitting transportation of the mixer apparatus. A hitch bar is securedto the frame for facilitating transportation of the mixer apparatus by atractor or the like. The plurality of wheels includes a first wheel anda second wheel disposed spaced and coaxial relative to the first wheel.A first load cell is disposed between the first wheel and the frame anda second load cell is disposed between the second wheel and the frame.The hitch bar is disposed remote from the wheels. A third load cell hasa first and a second end, the first end of the third load cell beingsecured to the hitch bar. A clevis is attached to the second end of thethird load cell, the clevis being rotatable about a longitudinal axis ofthe third load cell. The arrangement is such that during a weighingoperation which is dependent on measurements from the first, second andthird load cells, the rotatable clevis adjusts to a difference in aninclination of the mixer apparatus and a tractor so that side pressuresand inaccuracies in measurements from the third load cell is decreased.

[0048] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, a mixer apparatusfor mixing livestock feed and the like comprises a container for thereception therein of the feed. The container includes a housing and awall extending away from the housing. The wall defines an openingdisposed remote from the housing for the reception therethrough of thefeed. The arrangement is such that the housing and the wall definetherebetween an enclosure for the feed received through the opening. Anauger is disposed within the enclosure, the auger having an axis ofrotation which extends through the housing. A final driven wheel isdisposed within the housing, the final driven wheel being rotatableabout the axis of rotation. The final driven wheel is drivinglyconnected to the auger so that when the final driven wheel is rotatedwithin the housing, the auger is rotated therewith within the enclosurefor mixing the feed.

[0049] The housing includes a floor which is disposed between the augerand the final driven wheel, the floor being removable for permittingdirect access to the final driven wheel.

[0050] Many modifications and variations of the present invention willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration ofthe detailed description contained hereinafter taken in conjunction withthe annexed drawings which show a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. However, such modifications and variations fall within thespirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mixer apparatus according to thepresent invention;

[0052]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the mixer apparatus shown inFIG. 1;

[0053]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the mixer apparatus shown in FIG. 2.;

[0054]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0055]FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0056]FIG. 6 is an enlarged side elevational view of the auger shown inFIG. 2;

[0057]FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the drive gear pinion and drivenwheel shown in FIG. 1;

[0058]FIG. 8 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 7 of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

[0059]FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0060]FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation viewed from the top ofanother embodiment of the present invention;

[0061]FIG. 11 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0062]FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken on the line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

[0063]FIG. 13 is a view taken from beneath the mixer apparatus shown inFIG. 3; and

[0064]FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the hitch bar as shownin FIG. 1.

[0065] Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughoutthe various embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mixer apparatus generallydesignated 10 for mixing livestock feed and the like 12. The apparatus10 includes a container 14 for the reception therein of the feed 12. Thecontainer 14 includes a housing generally designated 16 and a wall 18extending away from the housing 16. The wall 18 defines an opening 20which is disposed remote from the housing 16 for the receptiontherethrough of the feed 12. The arrangement is such that the housing 16and the wall 18 define therebetween an enclosure 22 for the feed 12received through the opening 20. An auger 24 is disposed within theenclosure 22, the auger 24 having an axis of rotation 26 which extendsthrough the housing 16. A final driven wheel 28 is disposed within thehousing 16, the final driven wheel 28 being rotatable as indicated bythe arrow 30, about the axis of rotation 26. The final driven wheel 28is drivingly connected to the auger 24 so that when the final drivenwheel 28 is rotated within the housing 16, the auger 24 is rotatedtherewith within the enclosure 22. The final driven wheel 28 and theauger 24 together as a unit generally designated 32 are removable andreplaceable relative to the housing 16 and the enclosure 22respectively. The arrangement is such that when the final driven wheel28 and the auger 24 are together as the unit 32 removed, direct accessto the final driven wheel 28 is permitted.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 1, the container 14 further includes a frame 34for supporting the housing 16 thereon. The container 14 also includes aplurality of wheels 36 and 38 which are rotatably secured to the frame34 for permitting transportation of the mixer apparatus 10.Additionally, the container 14 includes a hitch bar 40 which is securedto the frame 34 for facilitating transportation of the mixer apparatus10 by a tractor or the like (not shown).

[0068] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the housing 16 includes a base 42 and arim 44 having a first and a second end 46 and 48 respectively. The firstend 46 of the rim 44 is secured to the base 42. A floor 50 is disposedbetween the auger 24 and the final driven wheel 28, the floor 50 beingsecured to the second end 48 of the rim 44 such that the base 42, therim 44 and the floor 50 define therebetween an encasement 52 for thefinal driven wheel 28. Furthermore, the floor 50 defines an access hole54 for permitting removal and replacement therethrough of the finaldriven wheel 28. The floor 50 includes a cover 56 which has been removedfor clarity in FIG. 1. The cover 56 is for covering the access hole 54.

[0069]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the mixer apparatus shown inFIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the cover 56 defines an aperture 58 throughwhich the axis of rotation 26 extends so that driving of the auger 24 bythe final driven wheel 28 is permitted. Moreover, the cover 56 includesa bearing 60 which extends through the aperture 58, the bearing 60 beingdisposed between the auger 24 and the final driven wheel 28 forbearingly supporting the auger 24 and the final driven wheel 28 forpermitting rotation of the auger 24 and the final driven wheel 28 whenthe final driven wheel 28 is being driven.

[0070] As also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the floor 50 defines an array ofbores 62, 63 and 64 disposed around the access hole 54.

[0071]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2. Asshown in FIG. 3, the cover 56 has a peripheral edge 66 which defines aplurality of holes 68, 69 and 70. A plurality of fasteners 72, 73 and 74are arranged such that each fastener such as fastener 72 extends througha hole such as hole 68 of the plurality of holes 68-70 and an alignedbore such as bore 62 of the array of bores 62-64 shown in FIG. 1 forremovably fastening the cover 56 to the floor 50. The encasement 52 isfilled with lubricant 76 for lubricating the final driven wheel 28 asshown in FIG. 2.

[0072] Also, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the wall 18 extends angularly awayfrom the housing 16. Preferably, the wall 18 defines a discharge outlet78 shown in FIG. 3 for the discharge therethrough of the feed 12. Thedischarge outlet 78 includes a door 79 and at least one rotary expeller80 for moving the feed 12 away from the enclosure 22.

[0073]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 4, a discharge outlet 78 a includesa conveyor 82 for conveying the feed 12 a away from the enclosure 22 aand a door 79 a which is movable relative to the discharge outlet 78 a.

[0074] In another feature of the present invention as shown in FIG. 2,the auger 24 includes a core 84 and flighting generally designated 86 isconnected to the core 84 so that when the auger 24 rotates as indicatedby the arrow 88 as shown in FIG. 1, feed 12 disposed within theenclosure 22 is mixed. The core 84 is of cylindrical configuration andthe flighting 86 is disposed helically around the core 84. Morespecifically as shown in FIG. 2, the flighting 86 includes a firstportion 90 and a second portion 92 which is staggered relative to thefirst portion 90 such that movement of the feed 12 as indicated by thearrow 94 between the first and second portions 90 and 92 respectively isinterrupted. The first portion 90 has a first and a second end 96 and 98respectively and is of spiral configuration. The first end 96 isdisposed adjacent to the housing 16. The second portion 92 has a firstand a second extremity 100 and 102 respectively, the first extremity 100being disposed in an adjacent spaced relationship relative to the secondend 98 of the first portion 90. The second portion 92 also is of spiralconfiguration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the core 84could be of conical configuration or of square cross sectionalconfiguration without departing from the spirit and concept of thepresent invention.

[0075]FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 5, an auger 24 b includes a firstportion 90 b which is a paddle 91 and a second portion 92 b is a furtherpaddle 93. The further paddle 93 is disposed in staggered relationshipwith paddle 91 as shown in FIG. 5. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, both of thepaddles 91 and 93 extend from a core 84 b of the auger 24 b.

[0076]FIG. 6 is an enlarged side elevational view of the auger 24 shownin FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 6, the flighting 86 has an inner edge 104and an outer edge 106, the inner edge 104 being connected to the core84. The outer edge 106 is canted towards the housing 16 such thatdischarging and cleaning of feed 12 from the auger 24 during anunloading operation is facilitated.

[0077]FIG. 7 is an enlarged top plan view of the final driven wheel 28shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the final driven wheel 28 is a gearwheel. The gear wheel 28 includes a plurality of straight teeth 108, 109and 110. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gearwheel 28 has a diameter D of at least three foot.

[0078]FIG. 8 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 7 of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the finaldriven wheel 28 c is a driven sprocket wheel with driven sprocket teeth108 c, 109 c and 110 c. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, a drive wheel 112 c isa sprocket having teeth 116 c for driving the driven wheel 28 c by adrive chain 148 c.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 also includes a drive wheel112 having a further axis of rotation 114 which is disposed spaced andapproximately parallel to the axis of rotation 26 of the auger 24, thedrive wheel 112 driving the final driven wheel 28. More particularly,the drive wheel 112 is a drive gear pinion having a plurality of teeth116, 117 and 118. The final driven wheel 28 is a gear wheel having gearteeth 108-110 as shown in FIG. 7 which intermesh with the plurality ofteeth 116-118 of the drive gear pinion 112 so that when the drive gearpinion 112 is rotated as indicated by the arrow 120, the final drivenwheel 28 and the auger 24 are rotated. The floor 50 is disposed betweenthe auger 24 and the final driven wheel 28, the floor 50 being securedto the second end 48 of the rim 44 such that the base 42, the rim 44 andthe floor 50 define therebetween the encasement 52 for the final drivenwheel 28. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the floor 50 and the base 42 furtherdefine a cavity 122 for the reception therein of the drive gear pinion112. The mixer apparatus 10 further includes a drive gear pinion bearing124 which is secured to the base 42 for rotatably supporting the drivegear pinion 112 within the cavity 122. A drive shaft 126 is secured tothe drive gear pinion 112, the drive shaft 126 extending through thehousing 16 so that when the drive shaft 126 is rotated as indicated bythe arrow 128, the drive gear pinion 112, the final driven wheel 28 andthe auger 24 are rotated.

[0080]FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the drive gear pinion 112 and drivenwheel 28. As shown in FIG. 7, the mixer apparatus 10 further includes aguide 130 disposed in a vicinity of the plurality of teeth 116-118 ofthe drive gear pinion 112 and the gear teeth 108-110 of the final drivenwheel 28. The arrangement is such that when the plurality of teeth116-118 intermesh with the gear teeth 108-110 of the final driven wheel28, the intermeshing teeth 108-110 and 116-118 are guided by the guide130 into an intermeshing relationship by the guide 130 as shown in FIG.2. The guide 130 is secured to the drive gear pinion 112 and is disposedbetween the drive gear pinion 112 and the base 42 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0081]FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 9, a further auger 136 is disposed within anenclosure 22 d, the further auger 136 having a rotational axis 138disposed approximately parallel and spaced from the axis of rotation 26d of an auger 24 d.

[0082]FIG. 9 is a top plan view, partially in section, of a furtherfeature of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, a drive wheel 112d is common to the auger 24 d and the further auger 136. The drive wheel112 d, part of which is shown in FIG. 9, has a further axis of rotation114 d which is disposed spaced and approximately parallel relative tothe axis of rotation 26 d of the auger 24 d and the rotational axis 138of the further auger 136. The further axis of rotation 114 d of thedrive wheel 112 d is disposed between the axis of rotation 26 d of theauger 24 d and the rotational axis 138 of the further auger 136.

[0083]FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation viewed from the top ofanother embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, theaxis of rotation 26 e of the auger 24 e and final driven wheel 28 e isdisposed between the further axis of rotation 114 e of the drive wheel112 e and the rotational axis 138 e of the further auger 136 e. Thedrive wheel 112 e is a drive gear pinion, the drive gear pinion having aplurality of teeth 116 e-118 e. The final driven wheel 28 e is a gearwheel having gear teeth 108 e-110 e which intermesh with the pluralityof teeth 116 e-118 e of the drive gear pinion 112 e so that when thedrive gear pinion 112 e is rotated, the final driven wheel 28 e and theauger 24 e are rotated.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 10, the mixer apparatus 10 e further includes afurther final driven wheel 140, the further final driven wheel 140 beinga further gear wheel having further gear teeth 142, 143 and 144 whichare driven by the plurality of teeth 108 e-110 e of the driven wheel 28e. The arrangement is such that when the drive gear pinion 112 e isrotated, the final driven wheel 28 e and the auger 24 e are rotated andthe further final driven wheel 140 and further auger 136 e are rotated.As shown in FIG. 10, a gear 141 is disposed between the wheels 28 e and140.

[0085]FIG. 11 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 11, a drive wheel 112 f is a first drivesprocket.

[0086]FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken on the line 12-12 of FIG. 11. Asshown in FIG. 12, the mixer apparatus 10 f further includes a seconddrive sprocket 146 which is secured to the first drive sprocket 112 fand is disposed coaxially relative to the first drive sprocket 112 f. Adrive 148 f extends around the first drive sprocket 112 f and the finaldriven wheel 28 f so that when the first drive sprocket 112 f isrotated, the drive 148 f rotates the final driven wheel 28 f. Also, afurther final driven wheel 140 f is a further driven sprocket wheel. Afurther drive 150 extends around the second drive sprocket 146 and thefurther final driven wheel 140 f so that when the second drive sprocket146 is rotated, the further drive 150 rotates the further final drivenwheel 140 f. The drive 148 f is a first roller chain drive and thefurther drive 150 is a second roller chain drive.

[0087]FIG. 13 is a view taken from beneath the mixer apparatus 10 shownin FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 13, the plurality of wheels 36 and 38 shownin FIG. 1 includes the first wheel 36 and the second wheel 38 disposedspaced and coaxial relative to the first wheel 36. A first load cell 152is disposed between the first wheel 36 and the frame 34 and a secondload cell 154 is disposed between the second wheel 38 and the frame 34as shown in FIG. 13.

[0088]FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the hitch bar 40 asshown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 14, the hitch bar 40 is connected tothe frame 34 and is disposed remote from the wheels 36 and 38. A thirdload cell 156 has a first and a second end 158 and 160 respectively, thefirst end 158 of the third load cell 156 being secured to the hitch bar40. A clevis 162 is attached to the second end 160 of the third loadcell 156, the clevis 162 being rotatable as indicated by the arrow 164,about a longitudinal axis 166 of the third load cell 156. Thearrangement is such that during a weighing operation which is dependenton measurements from the first, second and third load cells 152, 154 and156, the rotatable clevis 162 adjusts to a difference in an inclinationof the mixer apparatus 10 and a tractor (not shown) so that sidepressures and inaccuracies in measurements from the third load cell 156is decreased.

[0089] In operation of the mixer apparatus 10 according to the presentinvention as shown in FIG. 2, the cover 56 is unbolted from the floor 50and the auger 24 and final driven wheel 28 are removed upwardly as asingle unit so that immediate inspection and servicing of the finaldriven wheel 28 and drive wheel 112 is permitted. Also, reassembly ofthe unit 32 which includes the auger 24 and final driven wheel 28 is asimple operation in which the unit is lowered through the enclosure 22followed by refastening the cover 56 to the floor 50.

[0090] The present invention provides a vertical auger mixer having anumber of unique features which reduce the cost of production thereofand provide a mixer which permits easy access for inspecting andservicing the drive gears thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mixer apparatus for mixing livestock feed andthe like, said apparatus comprising: a container for the receptiontherein of the feed; said container including: a housing; a wallextending away from said housing, said wall defining an opening disposedremote from said housing for the reception therethrough of the feed, thearrangement being such that said housing and said wall definetherebetween an enclosure for the feed received through said opening; anauger disposed within said enclosure, said auger having an axis ofrotation extending through said housing; a final driven wheel disposedwithin said housing, said final driven wheel being rotatable about saidaxis of rotation, said final driven wheel being drivingly connected tosaid auger so that when said final driven wheel is rotated within saidhousing, said auger is rotated therewith within said enclosure formixing the feed; and said final driven wheel and said auger together asa unit being removable and replaceable relative to said housing andenclosure respectively, the arrangement being such that when said finaldriven wheel and said auger are together as said unit removed, directaccess to said final driven wheel is permitted.
 2. A mixer apparatus asset forth in claim 1 wherein said container further includes: a framefor supporting said housing thereon.
 3. A mixer apparatus as set forthin claim 2 wherein said container further includes: a plurality ofwheels rotatably secured to said frame for permitting transportation ofsaid mixer apparatus.
 4. A mixer apparatus as set forth in claim 3wherein said container further includes: a hitch bar secured to saidframe for facilitating transportation of said mixer apparatus by atractor or the like.
 5. A mixer apparatus as set forth in claim 1wherein said housing includes: a base; a rim having a first and a secondend, said first end of said rim being secured to said base; a floordisposed between said auger and said final driven wheel, said floorbeing secured to said second end of said rim such that said base, saidrim and said floor define therebetween an encasement for said finaldriven wheel.
 6. A mixer apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein saidfloor defines an access hole for permitting removal and replacementtherethrough of said final driven wheel.
 7. A mixer apparatus as setforth in claim 6 wherein said floor includes: a cover for covering saidaccess hole, said cover defining an aperture through which said axis ofrotation extends so that driving of said auger by said final drivenwheel is permitted.
 8. A mixer apparatus as set forth in claim 7 whereinsaid cover includes: a bearing extending through said aperture, saidbearing being disposed between said auger and said final driven wheelfor bearingly supporting said auger and said final driven wheel forpermitting rotation of said auger and said final driven wheel when saidfinal driven wheel is being driven.
 9. A mixer apparatus as set forth inclaim 7 wherein said floor defines an array of bores disposed aroundsaid access hole; said cover having a peripheral edge which defines aplurality of holes; plurality of fasteners, each fastener extendingthrough a hole of said plurality of holes and an aligned bore of saidarray of bores for removably fastening said cover to said floor.
 10. Amixer apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said encasement isfilled with lubricant for lubricating said final driven wheel.
 11. Amixer apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said wall extendsangularly away from said housing.
 12. A mixer apparatus as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said wall defines a discharge outlet for the dischargetherethrough of the feed.
 13. A mixer apparatus as set forth in claim 12wherein said discharge outlet includes: a door.
 14. A mixer apparatus asset forth in claim 12 wherein said discharge outlet includes: a door; atleast one expeller disposed adjacent to said door for moving the feedaway from said enclosure.
 15. A mixer apparatus as set forth in claim 12wherein said discharge outlet includes: a door; a conveyor disposedadjacent to said door for conveying the feed away from said enclosure.16. A mixer apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said augerincludes: a core; flighting connected to said core so that when saidauger rotates, feed disposed within said enclosure is mixed.
 17. A mixerapparatus as set forth in claim 16 wherein said core is of cylindricalconfiguration.
 18. A mixer apparatus as set forth in claim 16 whereinsaid core is of conical configuration.
 19. A mixer apparatus as setforth in claim 16 wherein said flighting is disposed helically aroundsaid core.
 20. A mixer apparatus as set forth in claim 19 wherein saidflighting includes: a first portion; a second portion staggered relativeto said first portion such that movement of the feed between said firstand second portions is interrupted.
 21. A mixer apparatus as set forthin claim 20 wherein said first portion has a first and a second end,said first end being disposed adjacent to said housing; said secondportion has a first and a second extremity, said first extremity beingdisposed in an adjacent spaced relationship relative to said second endof said first portion.
 22. A mixer apparatus as set forth in claim 20wherein said first portion is a paddle; said second portion is a furtherpaddle.
 23. A mixer apparatus as set forth in claim 19 wherein saidflighting has an inner edge and an outer edge, said inner edge beingconnected to said core, said outer edge being canted towards saidhousing such that discharging and cleaning of feed from said augerduring an unloading operation is facilitated.
 24. A mixer apparatus asset forth in claim 1 wherein said final driven wheel is a gear wheel.25. A mixer apparatus as set forth in claim 24 wherein said gear wheelincludes: a plurality of straight teeth.
 26. A mixer apparatus as setforth in claim 24 wherein said gear wheel has a diameter of at leastthree foot.
 27. A mixer apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidfinal driven wheel is a driven sprocket wheel.
 28. A mixer apparatus asset forth in claim 1 further including: a drive wheel having a furtheraxis of rotation which is disposed spaced and approximately parallelrelative to said axis of rotation of said auger, said drive wheeldriving said final driven wheel.
 29. A mixer apparatus as set forth inclaim 28 wherein said drive wheel is a drive gear pinion; said drivegear pinion having a plurality of teeth; said final driven wheel is agear wheel having gear teeth which intermesh with said plurality ofteeth of said drive gear pinion so that when said drive gear pinion isrotated, said final driven wheel and said auger are rotated.
 30. A mixerapparatus as set forth in claim 28 wherein said drive wheel is a drivegear pinion; said drive gear pinion having a plurality of teeth; saidfinal driven wheel is a gear wheel having gear teeth which intermeshwith said plurality of teeth of said drive gear pinion so that when saiddrive gear pinion is rotated, said final driven wheel and auger arerotated; said housing including: a base; a rim having a first and asecond end, said first end of said rim being secured to said base; afloor disposed between said auger and said final driven wheel, saidfloor being secured to said second end of said rim such that said base,said rim and said floor define therebetween an encasement for said finaldriven wheel; said floor and said base further defining a cavity for thereception therein of said drive gear pinion.
 31. A mixer apparatus asset forth in claim 30 further including: a drive gear pinion bearingsecured to said housing for rotatably supporting said drive gear pinionwithin said cavity; a drive shaft secured to said drive gear pinion,said drive shaft extending through said housing so that when said driveshaft is rotated, said drive gear pinion, said final driven wheel andsaid auger are rotated.
 32. A mixer apparatus as set forth in claim 29further including: a guide disposed in a vicinity of said plurality ofteeth of said drive gear pinion and said gear teeth of said final drivenwheel, the arrangement being such that when said plurality of teethintermesh with said gear teeth of said final driven wheel, saidintermeshing teeth are guided into an intermeshing relationship by saidguide.
 33. A mixer apparatus as set forth in claim 32 wherein said guideis secured to said drive gear pinion and is disposed between said drivegear pinion and said base.
 34. A mixer apparatus as set forth in claim 1further including: a further auger disposed within said enclosure, saidfurther auger having a rotational axis disposed approximately paralleland spaced from said axis of rotation of said auger; a drive wheelcommon to said auger and said further auger, said drive wheel having afurther axis of rotation which is disposed spaced and approximatelyparallel relative to said axis of rotation of said auger and saidrotational axis of said further auger.
 35. A mixer apparatus as setforth in claim 34 wherein said further axis of rotation of said drivewheel is disposed between said axis of rotation of said auger and saidrotational axis of said further auger.
 36. A mixer apparatus as setforth in claim 34 wherein said axis of rotation of said auger isdisposed between said further axis of rotation of said drive wheel andsaid rotational axis of said further auger.
 37. A mixer apparatus as setforth in claim 34 wherein said drive wheel is a drive gear pinion; saiddrive gear pinion having a plurality of teeth; said final driven wheelbeing a gear wheel having gear teeth which intermesh with said pluralityof teeth of said drive gear pinion so that when said drive gear pinionis rotated, said final driven wheel and auger are rotated; said mixerapparatus further including: a further final driven wheel, said furtherfinal driven wheel being a further gear wheel having further gear teethwhich driven by said final driven wheel so that when said drive gearpinion is rotated, said final driven wheel and auger are rotated andsaid further final driven wheel and further auger are rotated.
 38. Amixer apparatus as set forth in claim 27 wherein said drive wheel is afirst drive sprocket; said mixer apparatus further including: a seconddrive sprocket secured to said first drive sprocket and disposedcoaxially relative to said first drive sprocket; a drive extendingaround said first drive sprocket and said final driven wheel so thatwhen said first drive sprocket is rotated, said drive rotates said finaldriven wheel; a further final driven wheel, said further final drivenwheel being a further driven sprocket wheel; a further drive extendingaround said second drive sprocket and said further final driven wheel sothat when said second drive sprocket is rotated, said further driverotates said further final driven wheel.
 39. A mixer apparatus as setforth in claim 38 wherein said drive is a first roller chain drive; saidfurther drive is a second roller chain drive.
 40. A mixer apparatus asset forth in claim 3 wherein said plurality of wheels includes: a firstwheel; a second wheel disposed spaced and coaxial relative to said firstwheel; a first load cell disposed between said first wheel and saidframe; a second load cell disposed between said second wheel and saidframe; a hitch bar connected to said frame and disposed remote from saidwheels; a third load cell having a first and a second end, said firstend of said third load cell being secured to said hitch bar; a clevisattached to said second end of said third load cell, said clevis beingrotatable about a longitudinal axis of said third load cell, thearrangement being such that during a weighing operation which isdependent on measurements from said first, second and third load cells,said rotatable clevis adjusts to a difference in an inclination of saidmixer apparatus and a tractor so that side pressures and inaccuracies inmeasurements from said third load cell is decreased.
 41. A mixerapparatus for mixing livestock feed and the like, said apparatuscomprising: a container for the reception therein of the feed; saidcontainer including: a housing; a wall extending away from said housing,said wall defining an opening disposed remote from said housing for thereception therethrough of the feed, the arrangement being such that saidhousing and said wall define therebetween an enclosure for the feedreceived through said opening; an auger disposed within said enclosure,said auger having an axis of rotation extending through said housing;said auger including: a core; flighting connected to said core so thatwhen said auger rotates, feed disposed within said enclosure is mixed;said flighting including: a first portion; and a second portionstaggered relative to said first portion such that movement of the feedbetween said first and second portions is interrupted.
 42. A mixerapparatus for mixing livestock feed and the like, said apparatuscomprising: a container for the reception therein of the feed; saidcontainer including: a housing; a wall extending away from said housing,said wall defining an opening disposed remote from said housing for thereception therethrough of the feed, the arrangement being such that saidhousing and said wall define therebetween an enclosure for the feedreceived through said opening; an auger disposed within said enclosure,said auger having an axis of rotation extending through said housing;said auger including: a core; flighting connected to said core so thatwhen said auger rotates, feed disposed within said enclosure is mixed;and said flighting including: an inner edge and an outer edge, saidinner edge being connected to said core, said outer edge being cantedtowards said housing such that discharging and cleaning of feed fromsaid auger during an unloading operation is facilitated.
 43. A mixerapparatus for mixing livestock feed and the like, said apparatuscomprising: a container for the reception therein of the feed; saidcontainer including: a housing; a wall extending away from said housing,said wall defining an opening disposed remote from said housing for thereception therethrough of the feed, the arrangement being such that saidhousing and said wall define therebetween an enclosure for the feedreceived through said opening; an auger disposed within said enclosure,said auger having an axis of rotation extending through said housing; afinal driven wheel disposed within said housing, said final driven wheelbeing rotatable about said axis of rotation, said final driven wheelbeing drivingly connected to said auger so that when said final drivenwheel is rotated within said housing, said auger is rotated therewithwithin said enclosure for mixing the feed; and said final driven wheelhaving a diameter of at least three foot.
 44. A mixer apparatus formixing livestock feed and the like, said apparatus comprising: acontainer for the reception therein of the feed; said containerincluding: a housing; a wall extending away from said housing, said walldefining an opening disposed remote from said housing for the receptiontherethrough of the feed, the arrangement being such that said housingand said wall define therebetween an enclosure for the feed receivedthrough said opening; an auger disposed within said enclosure, saidauger having an axis of rotation extending through said housing; a finaldriven wheel disposed within said housing, said final driven wheel beingrotatable about said axis of rotation, said final driven wheel beingdrivingly connected to said auger so that when said final driven wheelis rotated within said housing, said auger is rotated therewith withinsaid enclosure for mixing the feed; said final driven wheel being a gearwheel. said gear wheel including: a plurality of teeth. said mixerapparatus further including: a drive wheel having a further axis ofrotation which is disposed spaced and approximately parallel to saidaxis of rotation of said auger, said drive wheel driving said finaldriven wheel. said drive wheel being a drive gear pinion; said drivegear pinion having a further plurality of teeth; said teeth of saiddriven wheel intermeshing with said further teeth of said drive gearpinion so that when said drive gear pinion is rotated, said final drivenwheel and auger are rotated; and a guide disposed in a vicinity of saidfurther teeth of said drive gear pinion and said teeth of said finaldriven wheel, the arrangement being such that when said teeth intermesh,said intermeshing teeth are guided into an intermeshing relationship bysaid guide.
 45. A mixer apparatus for mixing livestock feed and thelike, said apparatus comprising: a container for the reception thereinof the feed; said container including: a housing; a wall extending awayfrom said housing, said wall defining an opening disposed remote fromsaid housing for the reception therethrough of the feed, the arrangementbeing such that said housing and said wall define therebetween anenclosure for the feed received through said opening; an auger disposedwithin said enclosure, said auger having an axis of rotation extendingthrough said housing; said mixer apparatus including: a further augerdisposed within said enclosure, said further auger having a rotationalaxis disposed approximately parallel and spaced from said axis ofrotation of said auger; and a drive wheel common to said auger and saidfurther auger, said drive wheel having a further axis of rotation whichis disposed spaced and approximately parallel relative to said axis ofrotation of said auger and said rotational axis of said further auger.46. A mixer apparatus for mixing livestock feed and the like, saidapparatus comprising: a container for the reception therein of the feed;said container including: a housing; a wall extending away from saidhousing, said wall defining an opening disposed remote from said housingfor the reception therethrough of the feed, the arrangement being suchthat said housing and said wall define therebetween an enclosure for thefeed received through said opening; an auger disposed within saidenclosure, said auger having an axis of rotation extending through saidhousing; said container further including: a frame for supportingthereon said housing; a plurality of wheels rotatably secured to saidframe for permitting transportation of said mixer apparatus; a hitch barsecured to said frame for facilitating transportation of said mixerapparatus by a tractor or the like; said plurality of wheels including:a first wheel; a second wheel disposed spaced and coaxial relative tosaid first wheel; a first load cell disposed between said first wheeland said frame; a second load cell disposed between said second wheeland said frame; said hitch bar being disposed remote from said wheels; athird load cell having a first and a second end, said first end of saidthird load cell being secured to said hitch bar; and a clevis attachedto said second end of said third load cell, said clevis being rotatableabout a longitudinal axis of said third load cell, the arrangement beingsuch that during a weighing operation which is dependent on measurementsfrom said first, second and third load cells, said rotatable clevisadjusts to a difference in an inclination of said mixer apparatus and atractor so that side pressures and inaccuracies in measurements fromsaid third load cell is decreased.
 47. A mixer apparatus for mixinglivestock feed and the like, said apparatus comprising: a container forthe reception therein of the feed; said container including: a housing;a wall extending away from said housing, said wall defining an openingdisposed remote from said housing for the reception therethrough of thefeed, the arrangement being such that said housing and said wall definetherebetween an enclosure for the feed received through said opening; anauger disposed within said enclosure, said auger having an axis ofrotation extending through said housing; a final driven wheel disposedwithin said housing, said final driven wheel being rotatable about saidaxis of rotation, said final driven wheel being drivingly connected tosaid auger so that when said final driven wheel is rotated within saidhousing, said auger is rotated therewith within said enclosure formixing the feed; and said housing including: a floor disposed betweensaid auger and said final driven wheel, said floor being removable forpermitting direct access to said final driven wheel.